England World Cup 2010 Discussion thread #2 [R's]

Re: England World Cup 2010 Discussion thread #2

What were we talking about again?

Dawson is just that bit short of England quality. Hoofs the ball too much, not the most agile and gets too overeager to dive into tackles. I don't think there is much difference between him and Upson though and he would be a decent backup if required. Certainly no worse than the backups of most top countries.

Re: England World Cup 2010 Discussion thread #2

Yeah, he was OK but I thought the fella he was up against looked like he didn't give a shit. He was good on the overlap though. I'll give him that.

What are your thoughts re. Hargreaves? Do you think he'll be available to be on the plane? I can't help thinking it's gonna be a bit late for the lad. We're halfway through march and he hasn't played since.... er.... well, I can't remember when he last played tbh. A while ago, wasn't it?

yeah, fantastic defender in his prime. Certainly the most rounded I've seen firsthand, Campbell was physically stronger but Ledley read the game better, two footed and comfortable on the ball and was strong and quick himself.

Saying that, when he's been fit to play this year he's been 50% of the player he was a couple of years ago. Real shame about his knees.

Woodgate is apparently improving and may play again this season. Looked like he may have to retire a few months ago.

When he was playing regularly he was, IMO, about the best CB in the country. Even better than Rio and JT.

Thing is you can't JUST play and train every so often. You lose your 'eye' for the game... what the positions look like at eye level. Just such a shame

Rio also had a good game today. His form has been good since he has returned from injury - it seems that his poorer performances earlier this season were down to his injury after all. Gary Neville also actually managed to shut down Ronaldinho, albeit with some help.

Rooney is the best striker in the world at the moment. The only question is how close is he to Ronaldo and Messi? On current form I would say that he is probably better than Ronaldo, who missed a handful of chances today.

Sendo is hoping steve sedgley gets called up to man the midfield.

In keeping with current discussion, I think our problem with back-up centre halves could have been solved: Last night, while listening to commentary of Arsenal-Porto, the commentator mentioned a Sol Campbell interview, where Campbell was quoted as saying that he "sees no reason why he wouldn't be picked for England if he keeps getting games for Arsenal". Is this new? Or has Campbell always been available for selection? I was under the impression he had made himself unavailable for England a couple of years back. Nevertheless, he is no worse than the two already mentioned in Dawson and Upson, and has the added experience. I doubt he'll be needed, but he looks to me to be solid backup.

Elsewhere, how good was Roon tonight We completely crushed Milan... that's the worst defending I have seen from an Italian team in some time. They were reminiscent of the current Italian national team, with aging legs, no pace and little creativity. Beckham was thier best player in all honesty, even as a sub- he was the only one creating chances when he came on. Encouraging stuff from an England perspective and with his likely impact-sub role. Rio was also massively encouraging tonight- a solid performance the likes of which we haven't seen in too long.

Interesting statistic for you: Real Madrid have not reached the quarter finals in 6 years now

Campbell would be ok against a physical striker, but against a young, faster one I think he would be a risk. He was a great player though, could have easily been an all time England ledgend if his goal in Euro 2004 was not wrongly disallowed. I like the look of Jagielka, and he should be 3rd choice IMO.

You could also add Carragher to the list of CBs - a few years ao we had massive depth in that area.

David Howells

You're probarbly right about Jagielka. As long as Upson doesn't get on that plane I'll be happy. They need to send pictures of him out to all airports in the country to make sure he doesn't go to South Africa

I think it's because I'm just a fan of Sol, always have been. He used to be England's rock, the one you would always count on- and you're right about his goal in Euro 2004 He also had one disallowed in 1998 if I remember correctly?

Thing is, slightly off topic, but when Sol Campbell left Notts County after 1 game I thought his career would be over at the top level. Now look at him, playing CL football again. It's funny how football can work out. And how right his decision turned out to be in the end, with what would later happen at that club...

You are hoping justin edinburgh can make a late dash for the team.

Johnson makes his return to action versus Lille.

Zamora is playing pretty well against Juventus. I believe he could be an effective player in capello's system .

Blue tinted specs or not, I'm telling you Lescott's form has been fantastic since coming back from his injury. Coupled with the fact he isn't covering for Toure at the moment either. I would have him ahead of Upson any day.

He will be shattered at the end of the season, plays every game for Fulham and as lone front runner for most of it. He has looked impressive, holding the ball up and scoring as well. Not convinced he's as good as Heskey, Crouch or a fully fit Carlton Cole though.

I used to be but he's too slow now. He's just better than the alternatives at LeArse, which ain't saying much.

I only caught a few mins of the match and during the bit I DID see he dawdled on the ball in the penalty area and let the fella take the ball right off his foot for a half decent chance on Liverpool's goal.

It reminded me of what he was like at our place a few years back. He did exactly the same thing when we played Lazio in the CL 1/4 finals or whatever it was. He's great going forward but he needs a fecking stick of dynamite up his arse at the other end sometimes.

Yeah I saw Some of the Game. I was surprised Benitez had him on from the start considering the length of time he has been out.
He Is not The greatest defending but from what I saw it just seemed to be rust, he is better then the display last night.

I know he wont be involved in the world cup. I just believe he could fit into our system if he did play.